THERE was a time when things were simple — they were black and white with no in-between.
Indeed, in recent years that barometer of what was new in global automobile colours, the Geneva Motor Show, has always told it how it was.
Fondly, I recall a time when Geneva declared that black was "the new white".
But now it seems that grey is the new black and white in cars — if you see what I mean.
So in the past few weeks I have been driving two grey-toned cars. Of course they were not just plain old grey paint jobs, that would be far too simple.
The rather splendid Škoda Octavia vRS 245 Hatch I have been driving this week was turned out in a natty shade of grey with the apt title Meteor Grey.
Appropriately so, as it turns out, because this particular Škoda absolutely flew, clocking a neat 6.6 seconds for a 0-62mph sprint.
But it wasn't just the snapper jack performance of this Škoda Octavia vRS that I liked so much as its ease of handling.
It was fluid and light in response to one's driving demands. So behind the wheel you felt a certain lightness of simply being in this car.
Coupled with the DSG seven-speed automatic transmission, of which I have become fonder by the day, this Octavia vRS 245 Hatch was definitely the business.
So for all you vRS fans, from this summer this sporty top-of-the-range variant of the bestselling Octavia features this very sporty 245-PS TSI engine. And believe me, it does, as Škoda claims, provide a "dynamic drive" to the car.
In technical terms "the electronically regulated VAQ limited-slip differential" brings the Škoda Octavia vRS 245 Hatch's sporty ambitions front and centre.
The aforesaid limited-slip differential electronically lets the car use its engine's output in the most efficient way possible by preventing wheel spin and maximising traction.
The VAQ limited-slip differential was originally developed for motorsport and works with an electronically regulated multi-plate clutch located between the differential and the powered axle on the right-hand side.
When needed, 100 per cent of the power can be directed to one front wheel. When cornering, the differential transfers an increased amount of engine power to the outer front wheel (wheel with the most grip) as required.
Other goodies, apart from the engine and smart mechanicals, include the digital instrument panel that can be individually programmed — there's a choice of different layouts.
The size and positioning of the information displayed can also be freely configured. In addition to speed, RPM, fuel gauge or the navigational destination, information about the sound system, telephone or assistance systems can also be displayed on the screen behind the steering wheel.
The new vRS 245 offers more oomph than the previous range-topping model and comes with a raft of additional equipment to deliver the brand's sportiest drive to date.
Available in both hatch and estate forms, the vRS 245 is also offered with a choice of a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed DSG transmission.
Powered by a modified version of the existing 2.0 TSI four cylinder vRS powerplant, the vRS 245 can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.6 seconds (estate 6.7 seconds) and has exceptional in-gear flexibility.
But performance goes on: in fifth gear, for example, the vRS 245 with a manual gearbox sprints from 37 to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds (estate, 6.5 seconds) and from 50 to 75 mph in only 6.6 seconds (estate, 6.8 seconds).
In terms of equipment, the vRS 245 builds on the specification of the standard vRS with a host of additional items.
Externally, the vRS 245 is distinguished by 19-inch 'Xtreme' gloss black alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, door mirror housings and exhaust tailpipes.
Inside, the vRS 245's cabin features heated and electrically adjustable vRS sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and decorative trim panels finished in gloss black.
The colour multifunction trip computer, located in the main instrument panel between the speedometer and rev counter, also includes a lap timer as standard.
Other equipment highlights shared with the standard vRS range include Amundsen satellite navigation with eight-inch display and integrated Wi-Fi, full LED headlights with adaptive front light system and LED daytime running lights, LED interior light pack (10 colours) and a Super sport three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel complete with vRS logo and paddles for DSG-equipped models.
This is a super car for the money and I would thoroughly recommend you try a new vRS if you are looking for an accomplished sports saloon.


text:
Alfresco () — слово, используемое в качестве наименования некоторых продуктов, предприятий, торговых марок, произведений искусства. Среди них:

 Аль фреско — музыкальный термин, означающий полнозвучие.

 Alfresco (ECM-система) — тиражируемая интегрированная система управления контентом для организаций.

 Alfresco, Inc. — британская компания, выпускающая ECM-систему Alfresco.

 Alfresco (компания) — компания по производству систем для приготовления гриль-блюд.

 Alfresco (телесериал) — телесериал 1983—1984 гг. производства Великобритании. В сериале снимался известнейший британский актёр и писатель Стивен Фрай.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Groundbreaking ALS Voice of the Patient Report Submitted to FDA
Blog Post from the ALS Association
The ALS Association submitted a report to the FDA documenting the real impact ALS has on people living with the disease and their caregivers in order to inform the development of treatments. The information in the report draws from a survey of people living with ALS.
The ALS Voice of the Patient Report is a groundbreaking document that gives the FDA and other key stakeholders, including drug developers, health care providers, and insurance companies, data from people with ALS and caregivers about the everyday impact and burden the disease has on peoples' daily lives, their experiences with currently available treatments, and their hopes for future ALS therapies. This information is also intended to help provide context of the disease burden to the FDA to inform the Agency's review of new drug applications. This report speaks loudly and clearly to the immense unmet medical need we all are working to confront.
The content of the ALS Voice of the Patient Report was derived from the IMPACT ALS survey initiative that was conducted in December 2017. This survey was led by The ALS Association with our partners Cytokinetics, Biogen, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, regulatory experts, ALS clinical thought leaders, and, most importantly, patient and caregiver input. The vision of the IMPACT ALS survey was to systematically gather and expand available data on the perspectives and experiences of people with ALS and caregivers.
We surveyed both people living with ALS and their care partners. A total of 1,534 people participated. Of that, 813 were people with ALS, 74 were people assisting a person with ALS, and 647 were caregivers. People with ALS were represented from across the U.S., with representation across states comparable to the portion of the U.S. population in each state. While these findings will probably resonate with people living with ALS; what is important here is the systematic documentation of these findings and their formal submission to FDA, and the first time such data has been gathered to this extent across disease progression.
Key takeaways of the ALS Voice of the Patient Report:
Individuals with ALS and caregivers reported significant symptoms of fatigue and weakness, followed by speech problems, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and pain.
These progressive symptoms result in a loss of independence and led to less time spent at work or school, socializing, or traveling.
People with ALS do not report high satisfaction with currently available treatments and reported that such treatments "somewhat help" with managing ALS and everyday impacts of disease. Breathing assistance devices were reported to be very inconvenient and burdensome, but necessary.
With current treatments mainly focused on supportive care, people with ALS would like treatment options that stop disease progression, improve muscle weakness, and assist with breathing or respiratory function.
The majority of people with ALS reported having fears about the future. The fears most frequently reported were related to dying, "leaving family too soon," followed by "dying from respiratory failure." The next most reported fear was "spending the family's savings on medical care."
The ALS Voice of the Patient Report is the latest in a series of ongoing, strategic steps led by The ALS Association to drive patient-focused drug development for this devastating disease. These have included the ALS Part 15 hearing in 2013; the submission of the first of its kind patient and caregiver-driven Draft ALS Drug Development Guidance in 2017; the ALS Community Therapy Development and Regulatory Pathways Workshop in 2018; the ALS Clinical Trial Guidelines in 2019, and the issuance of Principles for Urgent, Patient-Centered Clinical Trials.
The IMPACT ALS survey is the first of a series of patient and caregiver surveys through the ALS Focus survey platform initiative, which is a cross-sector collaboration to place the preferences of people with ALS and their caregivers in the center of treatment and policy development, through surveys and studies. ALS Focus will build from the IMPACT ALS survey and conduct robust research on patient and caregiver needs, preferences, and experiences to produce generalizable and open data for the entire ALS community.
Thank you to everyone who took their time and energy to complete the IMPACT ALS survey. Your participation is crucial to our success! We would also like to express our appreciation to all our partners for all their hard work with the IMPACT ALS survey, ALS Focus, and the development of the ALS Voice of the Patient Report. We look forward to our continued collaboration to keep moving forward to better understand the preferences and experiences of people with ALS and caregivers, in order to bring new treatments to people with ALS faster.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Notes: Rack-mountable 1U mixer with 4 mic inputs and 3 auxiliary inputs. Mic channel 1 has 20V phantom power and adjustable voice-over muting of auxiliary channels. An additional priority input can be connected to a line level input or an external 100V line PA system for emergency paging. Output connections are stereo jack with master bass and treble tone controls. Designed as a master or extension mixer for installed sound systems.
Notes: Rack-mountable 1U mixer with 6 mic/line inputs and 2 auxiliary inputs. Each mic/line channel has switchable phantom power and input level. Output connections are stereo XLR, mono jack or REC output on RCA with master bass and treble tone controls. Designed as a master or expansion mixer for installed sound systems and conferences.
Notes: The Alto Professional Live 1202 is a pro 12-channel, 2-bus mixer equipped with the tools you need to create the perfect mix. With flexible routing options and a multitude of onboard DSP tools, Live 1202 fits the demands of nearly any live performance environment. It features 7 balanced XLR inputs with switchable phantom power, 3-band EQs for additional tonal shaping, two aux sends per-channel for external effects and monitoring, and a 9-band graphic EQ for main or monitor outputs. A headphone jack with an independent level control enables additional monitoring and mixing. 60mm faders with LED meters provide precise control and visual feedback for accurate, hands-on mixing. With its diverse connectivity options, Live 1202 can handle any sized event from small coffee house gigs to mid-sized ensembles to full-stage rock bands.
Live 1202 offers high-fidelity sound and high-quality DSP tools in a single package. Each microphone channel is outfitted with a high-headroom ultra-low-noise DNA™ microphone preamp for unprecedented sound quality and a robust audio signal path. Live 1202's high headroom results in cleaner mixes, a purer signal path, and loud, punchy audio. Onboard analog compression (channels 1-4) helps control dynamics and gel instruments together for a cohesive, defined mix. With high headroom, pristine sound, and built-in dynamic control, Live 1202 ensures that the full dynamic range of your mix comes across with striking clarity.
Record your mix directly to a Mac or PC with a single USB connection. Live 1202's built-in USB port allows engineers, producers, and performers to convert two channels of 24-bit audio (Main Mix or Sub Mix 1/2) straight to a computer. Record live performances, band practices, theater performances, speaking events, and any other live sound event onto your computer for additional editing, mixing, and post-production. The USB connection is bi-directional, enabling sound files stored on your computer to be streamed to and played through Live 1202.
The ZEPHYR ZMX52 is a 5 channel mixer with all the essential inputs, outputs, and EQ for solo gigs and multimedia studios. It features one mono channel with a microphone input (with Phantom Power), balanced TRS input, and a two-band EQ. It also delivers two stereo channels with two balanced TRS inputs each. There's even two-track inputs for things such as audio playback. The ZMX52 is the perfect compact take-anywhere professional mixer.
Notes: With millions of loyal and happy customers, Behringer Xenyx mixers stand alone at the top of their class. Armed with premium microphone preamps and robust feature sets typically reserved for more expensive consoles, next-generation Xenyx Q Series USB mixers can handle your live gigs and provide the state-of-the-art tools to make stunning, professional-quality recordings. Select models feature dedicated, wireless-ready integration for Behringer's new ULM Series USB microphones, making them the first of their kind in the industry. Along with their built-in USB/audio interfaces, one-knob mono channel compressors and Klark Teknik effects engines (available on select models), Xenyx Q Series USB mixers come with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer into a complete, high-performance recording studio.
Nothing adds the finishing touch to a live or recorded performance like really good effects, so Behringer equipped a select group of these mixers with one of the best FX engines in the industry. Designed by the world-renowned Klark Teknik engineering team, these high-end effects processors feature 32 studio-grade presets with dual addressable parameters, Tap function and storable user parameter settings. Complete with its own dedicated level meter, this effects unit provides a wide range of enhancement options, from sweet and mild to absolutely wild.
Now you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity. Behringer's one-knob compressor comes as standard on each and every Xenyx Q Series USB mixer.
All Xenyx mixers have one thing in common; great-sounding, high headroom Xenyx mic preamps. These state-of-the-art mic preamps are a tremendous step in the evolution of audio technology and they can easily hold their own, even when compared to expensive, boutique-style mic preamps. Xenyx preamps offer a staggering 130 dB of dynamic range with a bandwidth that extends from below 10Hz to well above 200 kHz. As a result, Xenyx mixers provide such transparent, crystal-clear performance that you just might think someone upgraded your microphones while you weren't looking.
Because you'll want to take full advantage of your Xenyx QX Series mixer's recording and podcasting potential, Behringer have put together a massive software download at www.behringer.com, that includes Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear.
Notes: The revolutionary XR16 is a powerhouse 16 input portable/rack-mountable mixer for iPad and Android tablets, and is ideally suited for both live and studio applications, thanks to its 8 award-winning MIDAS-designed mic preamps, convenient integrated Wifi module for wireless control, plus USB connectivity for file storage, system updates and uncompressed stereo recordings via the USB Stereo Recorder.
The compact X1204USB mixer takes the 1204USB up a notch, providing all the same great features, plus our new 24 bit, dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi effects. User definable parameters include reverb time and brilliance, delay room size and repetitions, modulation depth and speed, and much more. Time based functions can be addressed via a handy tap button. The most recent parameter settings are always stored in memory.
the Xenyx X1204USB mixer is designed to handle your live gigs, and they provide the state of the art tools you need to make stunning, professional quality recordings. Along with their built in USB/audio interfaces, Xenyx X1204USB comes with all the recording and editing software you'll need to turn your computer system into a complete, high performance home recording studio.
The Xenyx mic preamps represent a major step in the evolution of audio technology, and they can easily hold their own when compared to the most expensive stand alone mic preamps. Xenyx preamps offer a staggering 130dB of dynamic range, with a bandwidth that extends from below 10Hz to well above 200KHz.
The British consoles of the '60s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll. These legendary mixing desks soon have become the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The channel EQ on Behringer's Xenyx mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to prcess signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. Even when applied generously, these equalizers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
Ask professional sound engineers what their favorite piece of external processing gear is and the majority response will be virtually unanimous "dynamic compression". This limits the dynamic range of a signal, lowering the level of loud sounds and turning up softer sounds, to achieve sonic balance. But applying compression is a delicate art that many novice, and even intermediate, sound techs have great difficulty mastering. Our "one knob" compression is available on all mono channels and is easy to operate, even for entry level users. With this one knob, you can easily dial in the perfect amount of compression for instruments and vocals, creating powerful mixes with punch and clarity.
The Xenyx X1204 also features our new 24 bit dual engine FX processor, with 16 editable, studio grade presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and multi effects. Complete with a highly accurate input meter, these effects can be altered to your personal taste via the parameter control. Time based functions can be entered manually by pressing the tap button in tempo with the music.
No matter what your audio mixing needs are, the Behringer Xenyx X1204USB mixer provides the performance and features that can take your talent to the next level, at a price that is sure to amaze you. Try one today!
Notes: How about eight XENYX mic channels with inserts, dedicated compressors, 3 band EQ with semi-parametric mids and three Aux Sends? You get all that with the X2222USB, plus four stereo line-level channels, two convenient mix subgroups and onboard 24 bit digital FX processing, with dual user-addressable parameter controls. All this and more enclosed in a rack-ready, roadworthy steel chassis.
How about eight XENYX mic channels with inserts, dedicated compressors, 3 band EQ with semi-parametric mids and three Aux Sends? You get all that with the X2222USB, plus four stereo line-level channels, two convenient mix subgroups and onboard 24 bit digital FX processing, with dual user-addressable parameter controls. All this and more enclosed in a rack-ready, roadworthy steel chassis.
Notes: Each generation of VLZ mixers benefits from a reinvestment in performance, all without raising prices. By continuing to ignore the "race to the bottom," VLZ4 benefits from generations of performance improvements like transparent EQ, class-leading negative summing bus architecture and custom-designed op-amps to ensure signal integrity from every input to every output. The result is a mixer that is at the peak of performance and is the obvious go-to compact analog mixer for engineers who demand professional results.
The performance of Mackie's Onyx mic preamps is more than proven. Just check all the amazing reviews and customer testimonials. Their boutique quality sound and unmatched performance rival any high priced, boutique preamp on the market. Adding these flagship preamps to our VLZ4 Series compact mixers underlines our commitment to continually improving the performance of the VLZ line with each generation.
The VLZ4 design goal was simple: every VLZ4 mixer must have the highest headroom and lowest noise possible. Strict attention to component quality and tolerances has led to innovations like our custom M80 op-amps and class leading negative summing bus architecture that add yet another level of assurance that a Mackie VLZ4 mixer is the right choice for your professional audio application.
Mackie VLZ mixers are truly built like a tank. From beer spills to drops from moving vehicles, the testimonials are as endless as the applications Mackie mixers serve. The VLZ4 series is certainly no exception. With a nearly indestructible steel wrap around chassis and features like grime resistant rotary sealed pots, you can be sure that buying a Mackie VLZ4 mixer is a solid investment.
VLZ4's new black powder coat finish, cockpit inspired controls and high contrast knobs not only optimise your mixer's usability in low light scenarios, it also means your mixer looks as good as it performs.
Notes: Mackie Mix Compact Mixers deliver the quality you expect from the world leader in compact mixer design.
Notes: ProFXv2 mixers feature all-new Vita preamps for unmatched sound quality and a no-compromise live mixing toolkit including the all-new, immensely powerful ReadyFX effects engine.
Mackie ProFXv2 mixes provide a comprehensive live sound solution with a wide range of models, each delivering unmatched performance.
With the all-new preamps and effects engine plus tools like GEQ and USB recording/playback, ProFXv2 mixer performance will truly elevate your live sound game.
Built-in USB interface for easily recording your mix or for music playback during the show. We've included easy-to-use Tracktionr recording software so you can get started right away.
From every input to every output, ProFXv2 is optimized to deliver professional-quality results each and every time.
Notes: The compact DM16 honours your stage or studio desktop space, while providing incredible sonic performance, amazing versatility and an unheard of level of affordability.
What is the secret behind DM16's superb, studio-quality sound? The DM16 features 12 award-winning, MIDAS microphone preamplifiers with true +48 V Phantom Power, acclaimed by audio engineers the world over for their transparency and nuanced low noise, high-headroom design. Add to this TRS Line Inputs on all 16 channels (8 mono and 2 stereo), mono channel Inserts and 3-band EQ with mid-frequency sweep, 2 switchable pre/post-fader aux sends, 2 monitor outs and 2-track RCA I/O, and you have an analogue work of art, the fully featured DM16!
With 16 channels, the DM16 has more than enough microphone and line inputs to manage a small band or worship team with channels to spare both on the stage and in the studio. It is also the ideal choice for use as a keyboard or drum sub-mixer for larger scale performances.
Line channels 13/14 - 15/16 are dedicated stereo channels, making them ideal for stereo instruments, such as keyboards and can also be used for mono signals thanks to a convenient balance control on each 2-channel grouping. These channels can also be used as return inputs for signals sent external effects processing equipment.
The British consoles of the 1960s and '70s changed the sound of rock and roll without them the British Invasion might not have happened. Those legendary mixing desks soon became the envy of engineers and producers all over the world. The 3-band channel EQ on our DM16 mixers is based on that very same circuitry, allowing you to imbue signals with incredible warmth and detailed musical character. The sweepable mid-frequency band provides a broad tonal palette with which to fine tune the ideal signal. Even when applied generously, these equalisers exhibit sweet forgiveness and superb audio quality.
The DM16 is also equipped with 2 aux sends with pre/post fader switching for added versatility. Users can select to use them for external effects processing, custom monitor mixes, or a combination of the two. Additional monitoring outputs are provided of the main mix for stage or studio monitor applications.
StudioLive AR12 USB 14-channel hybrid mixers make it simple to mix and record live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and much more. This is a musician's mixer: lightweight, versatile, feature-rich, and packed with analog connections and digital tools, yet easy to learn and use. Mix with PreSonus' famous Class A preamps and three-band EQ. Create multitrack recordings and fly in backing tracks with a 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB 2.0 digital audio interface. Record and playback in stereo with the integrated SD™ digital recorder. Stream program music wirelessly, using onboard Bluetooth. Compact and road-ready, StudioLive AR mixers provide a superior all-in-one solution for mixing and recording your performances.
StudioLive AR12 USB mixers are packed with the connections and controls needed to mix and record live, in the studio, and in rehearsal. Each of the four mono channels and four stereo channels includes a 60 mm fader for level control; a mic input with one of PreSonus' prized Class A preamps; three-band EQ; and more. Besides the main outputs, you get two monitor mix outputs, each with a dedicate bus, for feeding stage wedges, a headphone amp, or an in-ear system. Since the StudioLive AR12 USB is also a studio mixer, you also get control-room outputs with level control to feed your studio monitors.
Most mixers make you route acoustic and electric guitars and basses through external direct boxes before connecting to a mixer input. But with StudioLive AR mixers, Channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance instrument inputs, so you can plug a guitar or electric bass straight into the board - no direct box needed.
It's inputs; it's playback; it's the Super Channel!
Our unique Super Channel (stereo Channel 13/14) allows you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once, enabling you to use the mixer with your high-tech devices. Plug a media player into the Super Channel's unbalanced RCA and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, play stereo audio from the onboard SD recorder or from your USB-connected Mac or Windows PC. Use onboard Bluetooth 4.1 to pair your phone to your StudioLive AR mixer and instantly have wireless access to your music library for break music, backing tracks, or ear-training. Have a song you want the rest of the band to learn? Pair your phone and start rehearsing!
Naturally, you want to record your gigs, as well as producing studio projects, podcasts, and so on. It's smart to record your rehearsals, too. So StudioLive AR mixers offer two different ways to record. Connect a StudioLive AR12 USB mixer to your computer via USB 2.0, and you have a 14x4 multitrack digital recorder, ready to capture all input channels plus the main mix to a Mac or Windows PC with professional, 24-bit/96 kHz quality. An onboard stereo SD recorder lets you record the main mix without a computer - just hit Record and go. Recording can't get much easier than this!
Both the integrated USB recording interface and the SD recorder have multiple uses beyond simply recording. With just a few backing tracks, your small band can sound like a much larger act, so we enabled the USB interface to play back two stereo streams through the mixer - great for backing tracks, click tracks, or program music. Use the SD recorder to play up to 32 GB of MP3 and .WAV files for hours of program music or backing tracks without needing a computer. And don't forget the Bluetooth feature in the Super Channel, which lets you play break music straight from your smartphone. With several ways to get the job done, you can work the way you want to.
PreSonus StudioLive AR mixers are tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Record with PreSonus' Capture live-recording software, then edit in our award-winning Studio Oner Artist DAW (recording and production software); both are included free.
To get a great mix, you need high-quality effects. The StudioLive AR12 USB has you covered with an internal stereo effects processor with 16 presets, including an assortment of room, hall, and plate reverbs; chorus and delay effects; even a preset that emulates an acoustically treated studio room to provide a warmer, more intimate tone. A dedicated effects return, complete with master level fader and dedicated monitor sends, lets you adjust the amount of the effects in your main and monitor mixes. You can even bypass the effects with a footswitch (optional). It's just another way that StudioLive AR mixers enable you to build professional-quality mixes and recordings quickly and easily.
StudioLive AR16 USB 18-channel hybrid mixers make it simple to mix and record live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and much more. This is a musician's mixer: lightweight, versatile, feature-rich, and packed with analog connections and digital tools, yet easy to learn and use. Mix with PreSonus' famous Class A preamps and three-band EQ. Create multitrack recordings and fly in backing tracks with a 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB 2.0 digital audio interface. Record and playback in stereo with the integrated SD digital recorder. Stream program music wirelessly, using onboard Bluetooth. Compact and road-ready, StudioLive AR mixers provide a superior all-in-one solution for mixing and recording your performances.
StudioLive AR16 USB mixers are packed with the connections and controls needed to mix and record live, in the studio, and in rehearsal. Each of the eight mono channels and four stereo channels includes a 60 mm fader for level control; a mic input with one of PreSonus' prized Class A preamps; three-band EQ; and more. Besides the main outputs, you get two monitor mix outputs, each with a dedicate bus, for feeding stage wedges, a headphone amp, or an in-ear system. Since the StudioLive AR16 USB is also a studio mixer, you also get control-room outputs with level control to feed your studio monitors.
Our unique Super Channel (stereo Channel 17/18) allows you to connect four stereo analog and digital sources at once, enabling you to use the mixer with your high-tech devices. Plug a media player into the Super Channel's unbalanced RCA and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, play stereo audio from the onboard SD recorder or from your USB-connected Mac or Windows PC. Use onboard Bluetooth 4.1 to pair your phone to your StudioLive AR mixer and instantly have wireless access to your music library for break music, backing tracks, or ear-training. Have a song you want the rest of the band to learn? Pair your phone and start rehearsing!
Naturally, you want to record your gigs, as well as producing studio projects, podcasts, and so on. It's smart to record your rehearsals, too. So StudioLive AR mixers offer two different ways to record. Connect a StudioLive AR16 USB mixer to your computer via USB 2.0, and you have an 18x4 multitrack digital recorder, ready to capture all input channels plus the main mix to a Mac or Windows PC with professional, 24-bit/96 kHz quality. An onboard stereo SD recorder lets you record the main mix without a computer - just hit Record and go. Recording can't get much easier than this!
PreSonus StudioLive AR mixers are tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Record with PreSonus' Capture live-recording software, then edit in our award-winning Studio One Artist DAW (recording and production software); both are included free.
To get a great mix, you need high-quality effects. The StudioLive AR16 USB has you covered with an internal stereo effects processor with 16 presets, including an assortment of room, hall, and plate reverbs; chorus and delay effects; even a preset that emulates an acoustically treated studio room to provide a warmer, more intimate tone. A dedicated effects return, complete with master level fader and dedicated monitor sends, lets you adjust the amount of the effects in your main and monitor mixes. You can even bypass the effects with a footswitch (optional). It's just another way that StudioLive AR mixers enable you to build professional-quality mixes and recordings quickly and easily.
Notes: StudioLive AR22 USB 22-channel hybrid mixers make it simple to mix and record live shows, studio productions, band rehearsals, podcasts, and much more. This is a musician's mixer: lightweight, versatile, feature-rich, and packed with analogue connections and digital tools, yet easy to learn and use. Mix with 16 of PreSonus' famous Class A preamps and three-band EQ. Create multitrack recordings and fly in backing tracks with a 24-bit, 96 kHz, USB 2.0 digital audio interface. Record and playback in stereo with the integrated SD digital recorder. Stream program music wirelessly, using onboard Bluetooth. Compact and road-ready, StudioLive AR mixers provide a superior all-in-one solution for mixing and recording your performances.
StudioLive AR22 USB mixers are packed with the connections and controls needed to mix and record live, in the studio, and in rehearsal. Each of the 12 mono channels and four stereo channels includes a 60 mm fader for level control; a mic input with one of PreSonus' prized Class A preamps; 3-band EQ; and more. Besides the main outputs, you get two monitor mix outputs, each with a dedicated bus, for feeding stage wedges, a headphone amp, or an in-ear system. You also get control-room outputs with level control to feed your studio or front-of-house monitors.
Our unique Super Channel (stereo Channel 21/22) allows you to connect four stereo analogue and digital sources at once, enabling you to use the mixer with your high-tech devices. Plug a media player into the Super Channel's unbalanced RCA and 1/8-inch stereo inputs, play stereo audio from the onboard SD recorder or from your USB-connected Mac or Windows PC. Use onboard Bluetooth 4.1 to pair your phone to your StudioLive AR mixer and instantly have wireless access to your music library for break music, backing tracks, or ear-training. Have a song you want the rest of the band to learn? Pair your phone and start rehearsing!
Naturally, you want to record your gigs, as well as producing studio projects, podcasts, and so on. It's smart to record your rehearsals, too. So StudioLive AR mixers offer two different ways to record. Connect a StudioLive AR22 USB mixer to your computer via USB 2.0, and you have a 22x4 multitrack digital recorder, ready to capture all input channels plus the main mix to a Mac or Windows PC with professional, 24-bit/96 kHz quality. An onboard stereo SD recorder lets you record the main mix without a computer - just hit Record and go. Recording can't get much easier than this!
Both the integrated USB recording interface and the SD recorder have multiple uses beyond simply recording. With just a few backing tracks, your small band can sound like a much larger act. Using the two stereo USB playback streams, you can add backing tracks, click tracks, or program music to your mix. Use the SD recorder to play up to 32 GB of MP3 and .WAV files for hours of program music or backing tracks without needing a computer. And don't forget the Bluetooth feature in the Super Channel, which lets you play break music straight from your smartphone. With several ways to get the job done, you can work the way you want to.
PreSonus StudioLive AR mixers are tightly integrated with state-of-the-art recording software to help you achieve your creative vision. Record with PreSonus' Capture live-recording software, then edit in our award-winning Studio Oner Artist DAW (recording and production software); both are included free. As a bonus, you get the Studio Magic Plug-in Suite for Mac and Windows, which includes seven popular plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
To get a great mix, you need high-quality effects. The StudioLive AR22 USB has you covered with an internal stereo effects processor with 16 presets, including an assortment of room, hall, and plate reverbs; chorus and delay effects; even a preset that emulates an acoustically treated studio room to provide a warmer, more intimate tone. A dedicated effects return, complete with master level fader and dedicated monitor sends, lets you adjust the amount of the effects in your main and monitor mixes. You can even bypass the effects with a footswitch (optional). It's just another way that StudioLive AR mixers enable you to build professional-quality mixes and recordings quickly and easily.
Compact and built for the road, the StudioLive AR22 USB is an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for audio mixing and recording. With a wide variety of connections, two ways to record, and a simple, elegant mixing surface, it will quickly become the heart of your live and studio sound systems.
Notes: The Signature 10 is a high-performance 10-input small format analogue mixers with onboard effects. It features smooth, premium-quality faders with GB Series audio routing with flexible pre/post switching on each Aus, and subgroups with powerful routing and switching options as well as dedicated outputs. The console is built using tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components and have an internal universal power supply.
In addition, the consoles feature smooth, premium-quality faders with GB Series audio routing with flexible pre/post switching on each Aux, and subgroups with powerful routing and switching options as well as dedicated outputs. The Signature Series are built using tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components and have an internal universal power supply.
Drawing on over 40 years experience in live sound mixing, the Signature Multi-Track mixers bring together an ultra-low latency USB recording interface, a superb analogue mixer and the unrivalled British sound of Soundcraft. Whether you're recording a live gig or a studio rehearsal, mixing a band, or producing a demo, Signature Multi-Track mixers deliver great sounding results thanks to high-grade Ghost preamps, the most musical EQ in the business, pristine Lexicon effects and powerful dbx dynamics - all designed to let you discover your Signature sound.
The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK incorporate Soundcraft's iconic Ghost mic preamps, directly drawn from the company's top-of-the-line professional consoles, to deliver extraordinary audio quality with high headroom, wide dynamic range and exceptional resolution and clarity with a superb signal to noise ratio. They employ Soundcraft's Sapphyre Assymetric EQ for perfectly equalizing every vocal and instrumental element in a mix with the unmistakable musicality inherent in every Soundcraft console, plus the GB Series audio routing technology famous in thousands of live venues worldwide.
It includes a wide variety of built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels. In addition, the console's multi-track USB audio interface allows any VST/AU/AAX/TDM/RTAS plug-ins to be inserted on any input channel, enabling studio plug-ins to be seamlessly integrated with live performances. Accompanying the consoles are free downloads of the Lexicon MPX-L native plug-in and Ableton Live 9 Lite.
The console is designed to deliver pristine recordings. Both have an ultra-low-latency USB interface that flawlessly captures every channel, which can then be mixed or transferred to a DAW for further mixdown and production. The consoles offer XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected.
The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK features smooth, premium-quality faders with GBr Series audio routing with flexible pre/post switching on each Aux, and subgroups with powerful routing and switching options as well as dedicated outputs.
Both the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK and Soundcraft Signature 22MTK are built using tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components. Both have an internal universal power supply.
TASCAM has continuously been providing industry-leading recording solutions for decades, such as the TASCAM 38 Open Reel 8-track, the DA-88 Digital 8-track and the legendary Portastudio Cassette and Digital Multitrack recorders. TASCAM now builds on this legacy to deliver a new classic: The Model 24 Multitrack Recorder/Mixer/Interface.
Whether used for rehearsal, live shows or studio production, this triple-function recording console perfectly meets the needs of today's working and recording musician.
One glance is all you need. The TASCAM Model 24 was developed for easy and immediate operation, with everything you need placed right at your fingertips. 100mm faders allow for precise control over volume. A full set of familiar EQ and Auxiliary knobs remove the need to menu diving, and all input/output connections are all on the surface for quick and easy access.
The Model 24 is truly a modern take on a classic design.
Featuring 16 high-grade TASCAM mic preamps in addition to multiple sets of stereo line inputs, the Model 24 delivers studio quality audio performance right from the start. When it's time to record The TASCAM Model 24 allows musicians and engineers to capture up to 24 tracks simultaneously (at 24bit/48kHz resolution) directly to the SD card, with the ability to support punch in/out 8 tracks at the same time. And once the take is done, the Model 24 can easily playback any or all of the recorded tracks through the console for immediate mixdown.
In addition to the studio quality mic preamps and powerful EQ and routing options the Model 24 features a dedicated stereo channel 1/8", dual RCA Bluetooth connectivity. This allows users to easily integrate mobiles devices into the mix for rehearsal playback, walk-in music and more. Finally, the TASCAM Model 24 can also act as a powerful audio interface and will connect directly to your PC or Mac for easy integration with your DAW of choice.
Designed to be both lightweight and rugged, the Model 24 can easily be carried from studio to stage with the confidence that TASCAM's legendary reliability will keep the music going.
Notes: The TASCAM MZ-223 offers versatile multi-zone audio routing, mixing, and segregation of several audio sources simultaneously. Source content can include music, spoken word (microphone), phonograph, and more and are easily controlled via familiar sliders and assignment controls on the front panel. Designed for easy integration in virtually any system, the TASCAM MZ-223 is ideal for small format install applications such as moderate sized hotels, restaurants, meeting rooms, schools, or any situation that demands independently routed audio.
Notes: Designed for permanent installation, the TASCAM MZ-372 offers versatile routing, mixing, and control of multiple audio sources in an attractive easy-to-operate 3U package. For maximum flexibility, source content can include music, spoken word (microphone), turntable, and more - all easily controlled via familiar sliders and assignment controls.
Twin outputs each feature a combination of balanced XLR or RCA unbalanced connectors for easy integration into virtually any audio system. This flexibility allows combinations of microphones, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, instruments - or any other audio source - to be selected or muted, and sent simultaneously to the dual outputs, each with its own volume control. Finally, the convenient "talkover" function will automatically lower any mixed channel source, so the microphone connected to the front panel can easily be can be heard in whichever zones you choose.
Notes: Combining Yamaha's mixing, DSP (digital effects) and audio interface technologies into one easy-to-use unit, the AG03 is perfectly designed for podcasters, gamers and music producers - and it's Mac, Windows and iOS compatible.
A key feature of the AG Series is the intuitive 'TO PC' switch that allows users to select which inputs are routed back to a computer or iOS device. Selecting Dry CH 1-2 allows the computer or iOS to record inputs 1 and 2, while the INPUT MIX switch routes all inputs to the computer or iOS device via USB for standard music production applications. The LOOPBACK function in the TO PC section, which is perfect for podcasters, routes all inputs to the stereo USB output, along with the USB input from the computer. This makes mixing mics and instruments with music beds, sound effects or the audio from computers and iOS devices a breeze.
The AG series also features the acclaimed high-quality Yamaha D-PRE microphone preamps and onboard DSP effects, along with an AUX input for additional music source - such as an iPod. The inclusion of a foot switch input means that performers can add a footswitch to kill the FX on a mic channel when talking between songs. Separate headphone/monitor volume controls are perfect for gamers who share videos. The layout brings hidden or difficult-to-find software controls to the front panel with easy-to-use faders, knobs and switches. 1-TOUCH DSP makes it easier than ever to get professional sound quality.
The MG10 includes a number of features that make it stand out above the rest of compact mixers on the market. It has phantom power on the first four channel's class A preamps for any condenser microphones..These four channels also include a 3 band EQ and a high pass filter, allowing a lot of frequency control on such a small mixer. As well as this, three stereo channels for jack devices make up channels 5 through to 10. Outputs are aplenty on the MG10, featuring stereo jack and XLR outputs, as well as a stereo jack monitor and phones output for monitoring purposes.
On top of the smaller MG06, this mixer includes full adjustable panning on all channels, making it easy to give a fully stereo image when gigging. As well as this, the mixer also has an effects out/return function, allowing an external effects board to be added, and with full individual control of the FX level on each channel. As well as this, a compression knob has been added to channels 1 and 2, allowing for easy control over instruments or vocals with fluctuating volumes.
Notes: For a more precise control and enhancement of your sound, XU models of the MG Series come equipped with a suite of Yamaha's renowned SPX effects. Featuring high-resolution Chorus, Flanger, Distortions, Reverb and Delay, all with editable parameters, these are the same multieffects processors used on Yamaha's high-end mixing consoles, giving you the tools you need to elevate your mixes to a higher plane.
Everything you do as a sound engineer is dependent on the quality of your preamps, which determines the direction your mix will take, and ultimately how good it is going to sound. MG Series mixing consoles feature Yamaha's studio-grade discrete class-A D-PRE preamps, which utilize an inverted Darlington circuit comprising two cascading transistors in a configuration that provides more power with lower impedance. Delivering fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs, with very low distortion, D-PRE preamps possess an impressively wide frequency range that allow them to handle signal from any audio source without overly amplifying any specific elements of the sound.
The head amp determines sound quality, and op-amp integrated circuits are one of the most important parts in the head amp circuit. MG Series mixers feature new, high-quality, custommade MG01 op-amps that we developed in cooperation with the semiconductor manufacturer. Although many other Op-amps prioritize electrical design and efficiency, we worked directly with the semiconductor manufacturer to focus on sound quality first.
Notes: For more than a century, Yamaha has been building a legacy of superior craftsmanship and innovation exemplified in their products, from an unrivalled catalogue of world-class musical instruments to touring-grade professional audio. Now in its third incarnation, the MG Series embodies this pursuit of design excellence, and incorporates some of the same technologies developed for use in high-end professional consoles, including studio-quality preamps, powerful digital processing, and a rugged, reliable construction.
With an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, the MG Series boasts an extensive line-up of compact mixing consoles with models ranging from six to twenty channels, suitable for a diverse range of users and applications. For installed, recording, or live music settings, the solid construction and flexible design of these consoles lets you shape your sound with confidence, continually delivering peak performance and a level of sound quality and reliability unrivalled in its class.
Notes: The new Yamaha MG20XU USB mixing desk has a full array of features for the professional band or music producer. Boasting 20 channels, a group of 24 effects, internal USB interface and 2 bus groups, this Yamaha mixer has everything you could need. Featuring faders instead of knobs of other versions, this MG20XU is more visual and easier to control. The included Cubase AI software also enables studio production straight out of the box.


BERLIN (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Reuters the Greek government's optimism about clinching a cash-for-reforms deal with its lenders in days was not backed up by negotiations and he could not rule out Greece becoming insolvent.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's leftist government hopes a deal with foreign lenders is imminent, with Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis saying on Monday that an agreement could be reached within a week.
But Schaeuble poured cold water on this idea, saying reports from the international institutions involved in negotiations with Athens suggested talks were progressing "very hesitantly".
"What I know from discussions with the three institutions does not back up the optimism arising from announcements from Athens," Schaeuble said in an interview published on Thursday.
"There is not yet any substance to the mere announcement that we are closer to an agreement. This is still within the realms of atmosphere," he added.
Greece's European Union and IMF lenders say talks are moving too slowly for a deal in the coming days.
In the latest warning that Greece is teetering on the brink of default, a senior Greek ruling party lawmaker said on Wednesday that Athens could not make an upcoming payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 5 unless foreign lenders disbursed more aid.
Schaeuble said this would contradict an agreement between the Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers and Greece on Feb. 20, when Athens was granted a four-month extension of its rescue package in return for promising economic reforms.
Schaeuble said Greece was likely to be discussed at the G7 meeting of finance ministers and central bank chiefs in Dresden next week although it was not officially on the agenda.


Please note that the majority of Unity's Classes are now run as live streams over the internet which means that you can join in wherever you live in the country. Unity uses Zoom, a popular and easy to use live streaming software, to facilitate this: scroll down to the bottom of this page for more details of this, or go to our live streaming page.
Unity's passion and our mission is to assist you along your personal path to spiritual growth. The Spiritual Education and Enrichment Classes (SEE) program is designed for those who have the eyes to see in new ways, for those who want to look deeper than ever before and transform their lives.
Unity is dedicated to the spiritual growth of each individual and to helping you see more clearly and deeply with the eyes of Spirit. If Spirit is nudging you forward, we would be honoured to assist you along your personal spiritual path. We invite you to be a part of this great adventure.
Most courses are studied live online via video or in person in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
We run a full programme of courses online and in person. The courses are designed to help you explore and express your God- given potential.
If you are interested in taking your studies further as a Unity Student many of these courses can be taken for credit as part of our Spiritual Enrichment Education programme (SEE).
In order to join us, download the necessary live-streaming software available free of charge from Zoom, a video conferencing website. Note that on tablets and smartphones the software is available as a free Android or Apple app which is very simple to use. If you are using a PC or laptop it needs to be Windows 7 or later.
Click join meeting. Ignore any tab which invites you to sign in or register.
Allow yourself a couple of minutes before the meeting time in case there are any adjustments you need to make to your camera or microphone.
Once you have joined the live meeting, the meeting room will appear as a small TV image on your computer, tablet or phone (those who use Skype – similar to Zoom – will be familiar with this).


Jiangsu Yinyang Stainless Steel Pipe Co., Ltd.
Safety and non-toxicity: After immersion test of stainless steel materials, all indicators meet the requirements of relevant national standards of drinking water.
Material selection: All raw materials with marks 304, 304L, 316, 316L meet the requirements of JIS 4305.
Durability: Field corrosion test data show that stainless steel pipes can be maintained free and their service life can reach 100 years.
Never leak: Stainless steel can work safely for a long time at – 270 C – 400 C, which reduces pressure loss and transportation cost.


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Why does Daily Essential Nutrients contain the mineral lithium?
Posted on : September 05, 2014 by Hardy Nutritionals® — No Comments
The mineral lithium has been used by doctors to stabilize mood for many decades. It is important to put into perspective the levels of lithium in our Daily Essential Nutrients formulation compared to the lithium we get every day in our food and water, and the "drug" levels of lithium that doctors routinely prescribe for mood disorders.
We chose to include trace amounts of organic lithium in our vitamin-mineral formulations after carefully analysing scientific evidence and considering feedback from physicians who have used our products in their practices for many years. For example, Dr. Charles Popper from Harvard Medical School found that his patients who took a trace amount of the mineral lithium experienced a small but noticeable improvement in their mood.
Small amounts of the mineral lithium in our food and water
The mineral lithium is naturally occurring in ocean water, brines, clays, and ground water, so we get small amounts each day in our diets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated the daily lithium intake of a 70 kg (154 lbs) adult to be between approximately 1 and 3 milligrams.[1] Between 66% - 90% of dietary lithium sources are from grains and vegetables; the remainder is from water and animal-derived foods.
Evidence for lithium as an essential nutrient
The available evidence strongly suggests that lithium is an essential mineral for our health and emotional well-being. Insufficient amounts of the mineral lithium can create adverse health effects. For example, researchers compared mental hospital admission rates and homicide rates with the lithium concentrations in tap water samples and in urine samples obtained from 24 US counties. They found that low lithium intakes from water supplies were associated with aggressive behavior which increases the rates of suicides, homicides, and arrest rates for drug use and other crimes.[2],[3] Low-level dietary lithium intakes were associated with hospital admissions for psychosis, neurosis, and personality disorders. Similar reports have come from Maryland in the United States,[4] Austria,[5] and, Japan.[6]
The mineral lithium seems to play an especially vital role during early fetal development as demonstrated by the high lithium contents of the embryo during the early gestational period. Animal studies have demonstrated that lithium plays a role in the expansion of the stem cell pool.[7],[8],[9]
Lithium contributes to the action of several vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and growth factors. For example, lithium has been shown to enhance folate and vitamin B12 transport into cells.[10] Transport of these vitamins is reduced in lithium deficiency and can be restored by lithium supplementation. Improved transport of these key vitamins into brain cells by lithium helps explain the mood-elevating, anti-depressive, and anti-aggressive actions of lithium at nutritional dosage levels (trace amounts).
For these and other important reasons, scientists now suggest a provisional Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for a 70 kg (154 lbs) adult of 1 mg / day.[11],[12] Because the RDA is only the minimum requirement to meet the needs of healthy individuals, 1 mg / day would not be sufficient for many individuals, especially those with mood-related issues or with certain disease states (like dialysis patients). In addition, lithium needs may actually be higher for children, adolescents, lactating mothers, and people with high levels of physical exertion.
Trace amounts of lithium boost "happy scores"
In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial, subjects were given a trace amount of lithium (0.4 milligrams) per day or placebo for five weeks. All the subjects of the study were former drug users (mostly heroin and crystal methamphetamine). Some of the subjects were violent offenders or had a history of domestic violence. The subjects completed weekly mood test questionnaires which covered mood, emotionality, mental and physical activity, and ability to think and work. The questionnaire items were further scored into subcategories reflecting happiness, friendliness, and energy, as well as their negative counterparts.
In the group taking lithium, the "happiness scores" improved consistently for all subcategories until week 4 and remained essentially the same throughout week 5. In the placebo group, the "happiness scores" declined during the entire period of observation. Based on these results and the analysis of voluntary written comments of study participants, researchers concluded that lithium (taken in trace amounts) has a mood-stabilizing and enhancing effect.[13]
Lithium level in Daily Essential Nutrients compared with levels commonly prescribed by doctors
Because there is good evidence that a trace amount of the mineral lithium is needed for optimal functioning, we've included 1 milligram of lithium orotate in the therapeutic dose of 12 capsules of Daily Essential Nutrients. This is less than most individuals get in their daily food and water intake, but enough to compensate for insufficiencies that many people experience. To put this safe level into perspective, doctors routinely prescribe "drug" levels of lithium that are a few hundred times this amount (between 100 to sometimes 900 milligrams per day)--near-toxic levels for many people.
Taking lithium with other essential vitamins and minerals is most beneficial
As we have illustrated, taking trace amounts of the mineral lithium all by itself has been shown to be beneficial; however, as with other nutrients, lithium is best taken in conjunction with a broad spectrum of other vitamins and minerals to compensate for any possible dietary deficiencies.
For more information on the mineral Lithium, check out the New York Times article: Should We All Take a Bit of Lithium?
Doctor Johathan Wright from the Tahoma Clinic has a great article on Lithium: "Lithium - The Misunderstood Mineral"
[1] Saunders, DS: Letter: United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Pesticide Programs, 1985.
[2] Dawson EP, Moore TD, McGanity WJ: The mathematical relationship of drinking water lithium and rainfall on mental hospital admission. Dis Nerv Syst 31:1-10, 1970.
[3] Dawson EP, Moore TD, McGanity WJ: Relationship of lithium metabolism to mental hospital admission and homicide. Dis Nerv Syst 33:546-556, 1972.
[4] Oliver SL, Comstock GW, Helsing KJ. Mood and lithium in drinking water. Arch Environ Health. 1976 Mar-Apr;31(2):92-5.
[5] Kapusta ND, Mossaheb N, Etzersdorfer E, Hlavin G, Thau K, Willeit M, Praschak-Rieder N, Sonneck G, Leithner Dziubas K. Lithium in drinking water and suicide mortality. Br J Psychiatry. 2011 May;198(5):346-50.
[6] Ohgami H, Terao T, Shiotsuki I, Ishii N, Iwata N. Lithium levels in drinking water and risk of suicide. Br J Psychiatry. 2009 May;194(5):464-5
[7] Levitt LJ, Quesenberry PJ. The effect of lithium on murine hematopoiesis in a liquid culture system. New Engl J Med. 302: 713-719, 1980.
[8] Gallichio VS, Chen MG. Modulation of murine pluripotential stem cell proliferation in vivo by lithium carbonate. Blood 56: 1150-1152, 1980.
[9] Joyce RA. Sequential effects of lithium on haematopoiesis. Brit J Hematol 56: 307-321, 1984.
[10] Vanyo L, Vu T, Ramos M, Amin J, Conners S, Bateman R, Tisman G: Lithium induced perturbations of vitamin B12, folic acid and DNA metabolism. In Schrauzer GN, Klippel, KF (eds): Lithium in Biology and Medicine. Weinheim: VCH Verlag, pp 17-30, 1991.
[11] Schrauzer GN. Lithium: occurrence, dietary intakes, nutritional essentiality. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002 Feb;21(1):14-21. Review.
[12] Schrauzer GN, Shrestha KP. Lithium in drinking water and the incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990 May;25(2):105-13.
[13] Schrauzer GN, de Vroey E. Effects of nutritional lithium supplementation on mood. A placebo-controlled study with former drug users. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1994 Jan;40(1):89-101.
Announcing Our Monthly Daily Essential Nutrients Draw
Harvard Doctor Praises the Use of Daily Essential Nutrients for Mood Disorders


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Trilobachne is a genus of South Asian plants in the grass family.

 Species
The only known species is Trilobachne cookei, native to Myanmar and to India (Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala).

References

Andropogoneae
Monotypic Poaceae genera
Flora of Asia


New Mapping Extension	iPhone settings document extension.
Edit: WordPress killed the resolution on my images, sorry about that.
Lets assume we want to display expenses vs target across different departments.
In this case the expenses and target for the Sales department are very small and skews our bar chart pretty badly.
Lets express the same information as budget variance in percentage instead.
Now since this is expenses it can be a bit confusing that negative values actually is a good thing so lets make it even more clear.
Personally I like to highlight the budget, 0%, so lets open up the chart properties again. Now add in a reference line, set the expression to 0 and increase line width to 2 pt.


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Home›World News›How defeated is Daesh?
How defeated is Daesh?
DUBAI: It is more than four years since Daesh terrorists overran large swathes of Syria and Iraq to declare a "caliphate" the size of Britain.
Experts say the terror group is now on the "brink of collapse" and territorially defeated, with US-backed forces in the process of taking its last pocket of land in the village of Baghouz, eastern Syria.
For weeks the world has been waiting for the "end of Daesh," after US President Donald Trump predicted "great announcements" about Syria as the American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) cornered the remaining militants.
The SDF had paused its months-long offensive many times to allow people to flee, but late on Sunday told the remaining Daesh fighters their time was up. On Monday, Agence France-Presse reported that the SDF had seized several positions from the terrorists still holed up in Baghouz.
But even when the last enclave falls, how defeated will Daesh really be?
David Reaboi, senior vice president for strategic operations at the Security Studies Group think tank, said the collapse of the Baghouz stronghold represents an almost total defeat.
"The (Daesh) phenomenon seems to have run its course, and disaffected Muslims from the West no longer view this particular Islamic State as a cause to join and from which to draw inspiration," he said.
"The draw of a reconstituted caliphate has been central to historical and religious interpretations of Islam, so there was a fraught initial period in Daesh's development when many were concerned that it would attract millions of adherents." Thankfully, said Reaboi, a surge in followers failed to happen.
"This is because the obvious cruelty of the Islamic State in practice was off-putting to all but the most ideologically committed and otherwise disaffected.
"In subsequent years, several factors have led to the rise of national identities in the Middle East and in their European and American diasporas. Many young people, especially, now identify with their nation rather than with a pan-Islamic identity and are concentrating on supporting and ensuring positive change in their own societies," he added.
"All this lessens a future caliphate temptation and ensures that the rise of another dead-end group such as Daesh is rejected by most young Muslims in the region."
However, other analysts believe celebrations over the defeat of Daesh might be premature and should be coupled with caution, claiming terrorism cannot be "defeated," only contained.
Columb Strack, a principal analyst at IHS Markit research group, warned of signs that the militants are regrouping to keep their foothold in the region.
"Islamic State has regrouped in Iraq since it was declared defeated by the Iraqi government in December 2017, and we are now seeing a resurgence in central Iraq," said Strack. "We expect the same thing to happen in Syria."
Michael Knights, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told Arab News it was difficult to determine a definite end to the terror group. "No one can ever say with certainty that Daesh is permanently defeated: They have come back from the grave once already, having faced almost total defeat in Iraq in 2007-2010," he said.
"(But) as a ground-holding caliphate, they have certainly been territorially defeated in the daytime and in terms of their control of cities."
In a recent study on Daesh's "Second Resurgence," Brandon Wallace and Jennifer Cafarella, of the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, said the jihadist group has already restructured its operations to return to a regional insurgency. "(Daesh) is finding new sources of revenue and rebuilding command-and-control over its scattered remnant forces in order to prepare for a future large-scale insurgency in both Iraq and Syria," their report said.
Last month, the US Department of Defense also warned that Daesh in Syria could regroup if counter-terrorism measures were not put in place in the war-torn country.
Bruce Hoffman, a political analyst specializing in the study of terrorism and counterterrorism, agreed that caution needed to be applied.
"The White House's own national strategy for counter-terrorism from October 2018 states that, notwithstanding the defeat of the caliphate, Daesh maintains eight official branches and more than two-dozen networks scattered across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia, so claims that it has been defeated for good are contradicted by the administration's own statement about its counter-terrorism strategy."
Hoffman, a professor at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, said that an ideology cannot be easily defeated, and "of course Daesh remains a long-term threat."
"Only when it is incapable of resurrecting itself in any meaningful way, when its ideology no longer resonates, when recruits and money no longer are a factor in its longevity, and when lone wolves no longer heed its calls to violence, will it be permanently defeated," Hoffman said.
Since June 29, 2014, Daesh has been linked to a string of deadly strikes in more than 24 countries.
The brutality of attacks claimed by the militants made global headlines: Paris in 2015, when teams of gun-wielding suicide bombers struck the French capital, killing at least 130 people and wounding 494 others; the 2016 assaults on a Brussels airport and subway station, which left more than 30 people dead and 270 wounded; the 2016 attacks at Turkey's Istanbul Ataturk Airport, in which at least 44 people died and more than 230 were wounded.
One of the deadliest attacks by the group was in 2016, when a suicide car bomb in a Baghdad shopping district killed at least 292 people and injured another 200.
These atrocities, along with the execution of British aid worker David Haines in 2014, and the 2017 Manchester Arena suicide bombing which killed 22 people, caused world outrage.
Hoffman said there is "no doubt" that the brutality and far-ranging attacks claimed by Daesh in the past four years have been among the worst in living memory. "Even Al-Qaeda now seems 'moderate' in comparison and Al-Qaeda trades on its new status as self-described 'moderate extremists' to gather new longevity and, in some quarters, support."
Although Daesh fighters still hold out in a tiny pocket of central Syria's remote desert and have gone underground, their territorial rule is almost over.
Hoffman said the question now is what to do with hundreds of Daesh fighters captured in Syria. Last month, Trump urged "Britain, France, Germany and other European allies" to take back the militants captured by the US in Syria, but Hoffman believes the likelihood of that is low.
"None of these countries, including the US, knows what to do with the former fighters since in many cases evidence cannot be presented in open court, because it is either lacking or based on sensitive intelligence."
46 militants killed in Egypt's anti-Daesh campaign ...
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Full transcript of Arab News interview with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono
Syria media says no attack on airport after reported air defense fire
Philippine senators ask Duterte to disclose China energy plan
Amid wall debate, pope visits Panama with migration in mind
Son charged with killing parents, housekeeper in California


post concert at Greek theater in Berkeley - nice place to eat/drink wine?
That area is tough due to the proximity of the university campus. I don't know good addresses any more for what you seek on Northside or Southside within 15 mins walk. Bistro Liaison, near-northwest, is modest, but might fit the bill, except that it closes at 9:30, so better for a pre-concert meal. There are fancier places a little further north of that in the "Gourmet Ghetto" on Shattuck. Other options might depend on how you are getting there. More details, please?
The Cafe at Chez Panisse is open until 11:30 on Friday nights. You can deserve on Open Table. It's 10 minutes by cab from the Greek.
I was thinking about that but just checked the menu online. it seems super limited … I didn't recall it being so minimal?
CP Café usually has a number of specials which can be more compelling than the standard menu.
That's what I was going to mention. It's not strictly limited to the online menu.
Cafe Rouge is another great option. They're open until 10 p.m.
Revival is open late for bar food. Not super close, but it could work.
Kiraku fits the small plates and nice place to eat bill, but I'm not sure if its quite what you're looking for. The food is delicious, though. From the Greek the walk is pushing 15 minutes. Open until 11pm on Fridays.
Thanks. Good suggestions all round. I found place called TigerLily that's open till midnight. Any reviews on that?
Tigerlily is solid: good cocktails and food. East Bay Spice Co is owned by the same group as Tigerlily-it's a younger crowd here. I like the cocktail selection better at EBSC and the food better at Tigerlily.
Comal in downtown Berkely is also solid. The tripe and the albondigas are my favorite.


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On November 25th I sent out my second newsletter, suggesting to the 60 people on my list that if each would chip in $10, the campaign at least would succeed.
No responses. So I realized I have no support. I deleted my email list.
My Pubslush campaign is still sitting there until January 2rd, 2015.
I thought I'll give it one more try to see whether the result will be the same.
So here is my second crowdfunding attempt at indiegogo for my book "Potty Training for Indigo Children" – Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp for Medicine, Enlightenment, and Abundant Resources for the 21st Century.
It launched on December 3rd and goes until January 2nd.
Meanwhile I did more research in regards to crowdfunding. It says there exist globally about 500 crowdfunding websites. Indiegogo exists since 2008. I learned about crowdfunding two and a half years ago through the phenomenal story of a stranger taking the victim story of the school bus monitor Karen Klein to indiegogo and raising a fortune for her.
It says one factor for the many emerging crowdfunding sites is that government programs and government grants have been cut. So the people come up with creative ideas to empower each other and practice empathy and compassion.
Indiegogo is free to use for everybody. They do not approve one's campaign page before going online. The templates work well, assistance is not necessary.
I also learned that there are crowdfunding sites about real estate and other business endeavors; they work with banks and debt creation. It tells that the bankers as the corporate predators want to infiltrate this new Internet activity of the people with their methods of energy harvesting, without the people suspecting anything.
As soon as I took my crowdfunding campaign at indiegogo online, the vultures were there. So far, over a dozen companies/individuals emailed me, offering assistance for success for a fee ranging from $5 to about $300. Also, I got a lot of spam in my email box for the last two weeks, indicating the selling of email address lists.
At Pubslush they have their own assistance service, plus each campaign must be approved before taken online by them. I paid $50 for the lowest assistance level because from what I read I was convinced that I'd raise $5,000.
However, because of Pubslush's own assistance program the vultures stay away.
After I started my Pubslush campaign I realized that I am the one who has to do the fundraising, they just provide the platform and give tips of how to proceed. They charge about 7.5 % of the funds raised.
So I sent out my two newsletters to my 60-people list, however, with no results.
Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp by publishing my series of crowdfunding newsletters. I even offered sharing the raised money. However, they either declined or did not respond.
Many want to make a living as a spiritual teacher and healer. Once people made a name for themselves they easily get caught up in competition. There are cliques with politics as usual.
Consider, a person cannot spend unlimited hours on the Internet, reading thousands of newsletters, blogs, websites, social media. So there is competition behind the scenes for the spots for only a few hundred top players within the global Lightworker arena.
To get to that level they apply the business methods of the old 3D world. In other words, it costs money to be allowed in someone special's club or league or group. In this "industry" we follow spiritual celebrities just as in the mainstream media. People with popular blogs gain much power as influencers.
Those who teach awakening at the same time harvest our energy through paid subscriptions, continuing the old ways. There is no Unity Conscious among those who consider themselves wayshowers and mapmakers and who claim to promote Unity Consciousness. There is no "nurture one another at every opportunity and play well together'.
So the rejection I received brought me to a point of greater clarity. Being a Lightworker of the first wave I realize how little attachment to the 3D world I have left. I have no ambition to spend six weeks 24/7 promoting my fundraising campaign and begging thousands of people for money.
I learned that crowdfunding is not what I thought it is.
Well, it's a good time to make a fresh start and be open to meet new people of like mind.
I decided to start a facebook page. I actually do have a facebook page but haven't used it so far. I always ignored notifications of friends requests.
I hear bad things about facebook as a mass platform for censoring, spying, and controlling by the elite rulers. Some people say facebook is just a social game about collecting thumbnail pictures of people that one calls their 'friends'.
I have a website, why do I need a facebook page?
I started my website with the new Millennium, on January 1st of 2000. which is an "antiquity" by now.
I also have a blog where I post my writings and other information.
I didn't see a necessity to maintain a facebook page.
However, since I gave up my email list I'd like to try out facebook. I went there and saw that I have a lot of friends requests. I only need to click on them.
I'll start by posting my three latest newsletters about crowdfunding and my ongoing campaign experience.
In a week I'm going to post another newsletter update, plus later my annual newsletter.